Recently, I was stocking up on some household essentials—paper towels, garbage bags, tissues, sandwich bags, and toilet paper. As I looked at my cart, I realized I was about to purchase a bunch of paper and plastic products that I would use once, then throw away. Literally, I was about to throw away money and thought there’s got to be a better way. So, as the New Year begins, I’ve been exploring how I can run a more sustainable household, create less waste, and also save some money. Here are a few earth-friendly and economically sound practices I hope to bring to my home and family in 2020.

First, let’s be clear; we won’t stop using toilet paper. In fact, my husband is very adamant that the two things you don’t skimp on are toilet paper and ketchup. So it’s Charmin Ultra-Soft and Heinz 57 for this household. However, as our little ones are using the potty, we encourage them only to take as much as they need. In fact, we count out the squares, which is two lessons in one.

So, TP is a given, but what about PT — paper towels. This Christmas, I purchased reusable paper towels as stocking stuffers for my immediate family. Amazon has a set of ten for $20 that you can use to wipe up spills and messes, then throw in the laundry. You can also pick up a roll of fiber towels that will fit into your current paper towel dispenser. These are also machine-washable and can be used for all sorts of cleaning, from the stovetop to makeup removal. I suggest wiping off your face before your stove.

Amazon also offers reusable sandwich/food storage bags that are freezer safe with a zipper and lock seals. The 10-pack includes two lunch bags, five sandwich-size bags, and three snack-size bags. To clean, simply hand wash and set out to air-dry, possibly over a glass or mug. Bed, Bath, and Beyond features dishwasher safe, reusable storage bags; however, they only come in sets of two and cost more than the set of 10 from Amazon. So, depending on if you have the time to handwash and the counterspace to air dry, you may have to put out more money upfront but will save time and costs down the road when considering replacing disposable food bags with reusable.

Shopping and produce bags are additional single-use items that add to our weekly waste. Depending on the store, you may already be paying for plastic bags to bring home your groceries, but chances are you’re not charged for the plastic bag you use for cucumbers and tomatoes. But who knows when that may change. Better to be ahead of the curve and invest in reusable produce bags, along with a grocery tote or two for your weekly shopping. Many markets sell their own grocery totes, but I like 12-gallon “Knalla” bags from Ikea. I usually keep them in the car so that I’ll have them even for impromptu trips to the store. I use them at Target, at Aldi’s, really any place I shop. I’ve recently purchased a set of 5 mesh bags from Crate and Barrel to also keep in the car so that I use fewer disposable bags for fruits and vegetables. These bags feature color-coded tags to identify what’s in the refrigerator easily, and drawstrings, plus they are machine washable!

Lastly, tissues. Fortunately, we can look to the past for a solution to tissue-waste — hankies, and handkerchiefs. I don’t know about your Dad, but mine still keeps a square hankie in his back pocket. Of course, he doesn’t get too fancy; just plain white cotton squares are good enough for him. But, there are a variety of handkerchief styles for men and women, both in stores and online. I have yet to stock up on reusable hankies for myself when I’m out and about, but at home, we’ve repurposed old burp cloths to wipe noses and dry eyes. The key, especially during flu season, is to have a good dozen or so on hand so that you have backups and, if need be, replace your cloth hanky each day to avoid spreading germs.

Additional ways I’m looking at reducing waste (and saving money) include fluff and tumble dryer balls from Norwex to replace single-use dryer sheets. Keeping silverware, a coffee mug, and a metal straw at work so as not to use plastic-ware. Also, I’ve started asking restaurants NOT to include disposable utensils when picking up takeout. Bringing home office printouts as drawing paper for my toddler, then taking them back to work for the shredder, and getting one more use out of cardboard boxes as caves, spaceships, race cars, etc., before breaking them down to be recycled.

Speaking of recycling, it’s always a good idea, especially at the start of a new year, to check with your local waste management authority and review their guidelines on preparing your recyclables. Do you need to remove labels, can you mix your plastics, what is the recommended container for pickup, etc.?

If you, like me, believe that God made men to be stewards of the earth, then consider ways in which you can reduce your household waste here in 2020. I know that not every environmentally friendly practice is practical for everyone, but even replacing 2-5 single-use items with reusable options can make a big impact.